Emergency cash: Pervert Jimmy Savile may have hidden cash in offshore accounts to protect his forune if his crimes came to light, lawyers say

Pervert Jimmy Savile may have stashed millions of pounds overseas to protect his money in case his crimes came to light.

Lawyers acting for those molested by Savile have launched a probe into the disgraced DJ's finances in a bid to unearth cash which can be used as compensation.

Pannone Solicitors believe he siphoned off cash from the two charities he set up, as well as money from his public appearances, into offshore accounts.

They believe he has a far greater fortune than the 4.3million in his will – perhaps up to 20million – and have written to Osborne Clarke Solicitors, who were appointed executors of his will by NatWest Bank, to ask for an investigation.

Legal experts from Pannone, which is representing 55 victims in civil claims, have vowed to go to police and The Charities Commission if they are not satisfied with the response, reports the Sunday Mirror.

Alan Collins, of Pannone Solicitors, said that the 4.3million fortune does not add up as Savile was a major celebrity for decades, had no dependents, and was known for being sensible with his money.

He said: 'He left a 4.3million estate, which in the context of his lifestyle and other celebrities of such long-standing success is a modest amount.

'If he had left 20million or more then that would have been a more realistic and understandable amount. It just doesn’t add up.

'Quite simply, we are asking, “what happened to Jimmy’s millions”.'

The Jim'll Fix It star pictured talking about Stoke Mandeville spinal injuries hospital. He may have taken cash from the charitable trust he set up to support it

Police are examining 31 allegations of rape against Savile and said 589 people have come forward with information relating to the scandal.

A total of 450 complaints have been made against the DJ himself, mainly alleging sexual abuse. His crimes took place in areas covered by 17 separate police forces.

A great niece of Savile who has come forward about the abuse she endured from her great uncle believes the number of people he abused to be much higher.

Mr Collins, who specialises in child abuse cases and has acted in many high profile cases, including the ongoing Haut de la Garenne care home case in Jersey, is demanding that the cash be handed back to his estate to be used as compensation.

He also says mystery surrounds Savile’s financial relationship with the Jimmy Savile Charitable Trust and the Jimmy Savile Stoke Mandeville Hospital Charitable Trust, both of which are being wound up in the wake of the former Top of the Pops presenter's crimes.